An American Airlines flight from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey, was forced to divert to Baltimore after a passenger launched into a racist and homophobic tirade, physically attacked a seatmate, and was subsequently duct-taped and zip-tied to his seat by crew members and fellow travelers, according to reports from multiple news outlets and law enforcement agencies.
Mid-Air Meltdown on American Airlines Flight 618
American Airlines Flight 618 was approximately three-quarters of the way through its journey on Thursday night when a passenger sitting two rows behind former law enforcement officer Juan Mejia became belligerent, according to statements Mejia provided to ABC News and CNN. The man began hurling derogatory remarks at airline staff and fellow passengers, according to Mejia’s account.
According to TMZ reporting cited by the New York Post, the disruption escalated around 10:15 p.m. when the male passenger directed a fire-and-brimstone diatribe at his seatmate, striking him and smashing his computer. When a female passenger attempted to intervene, the individual pushed her back, prompting three male passengers to step in, according to the Post. As a Black flight attendant approached to de-escalate the situation, the passenger shouted the N-word and anti-gay slurs, according to TMZ.
Restraint and Diversion to Baltimore
Faced with a mounting physical altercation, flight crew members provided passengers with rolls of thick duct tape and yellow zip ties, according to available reports. Passengers used the supplies to bind the disruptive man’s hands, torso, and head to his seat while he fought back. Dramatic photos and TMZ footage show the individual tightly bound with criss-crossing tape and zip ties, with visible blood on his arm.
American Airlines confirmed in a statement to the New York Post that the flight was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport “due to a disruptive customer.” When the aircraft landed, law enforcement met the plane and assisted with deplaning the customer before the flight resumed its journey to Newark, the airline said.
Law Enforcement and Federal Investigation
The Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested the man after the plane landed, according to ABC News and the New York Post. An FBI spokesperson stated that the bureau is currently conducting interviews to gather facts and is consulting with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether federal charges will be filed.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the incident is under active investigation. According to FAA data cited by outlets covering the event, there have been more than 1,160 unruly passenger incidents recorded so far in 2026. The agency notes that unruly passenger cases can carry civil penalties of up to $43,658 per violation, result in placement on internal airline no-fly lists, or lead to criminal prosecution.
Did you know?
The FAA can refer severe unruly passenger cases directly to the FBI for criminal prosecution, and offenders face potential bans from airline travel alongside steep civil fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flight was involved in the duct-taping incident?
The incident occurred on American Airlines Flight 618, which departed from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and was bound for Newark Liberty International Airport before diverting.
Where did the plane land after the diversion?
The flight diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on Thursday night, where law enforcement met the aircraft.
Is the passenger facing charges?
Yes. The passenger was arrested by law enforcement upon landing, and the FBI is consulting with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland regarding potential federal charges.
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